Bergen County deserves more vegan dining options — not just lip service

I’m a vegan, and I’d like to tell you about the restaurant experience here in Bergen County from my point of view. I want to feel welcomed when I enter a restaurant. But very often I don’t. As I scan the menu, I am often disappointed to discover there is absolutely nothing I can eat other than a side of vegetables or french fries. Even the Brussels sprouts come with bacon.

The irony is that it would take so little to make me feel welcomed. One or two dishes prepared without meat, dairy or eggs would make me happy. Labeling such dishes as vegan or plant-based would be nice, too.

Why do restaurants, even those with extensive menus, neglect to add at least one or two vegan options? It’s so easy. And doing so would bring more customers in the door. I know this to be true. I scan menus online before choosing where to go. I often return to the same few eateries because I know they can accommodate me.

I’ve tried calling ahead to ask if they might have something for a vegan.

“Oh, sure. Just let the server know and we’ll fix up something nice," I'm told.

I end up with a bowl of pasta with some veggies on top. Hold the cheese. Hold the sauce.

So, North Jersey, let’s open our restaurants to diners like me. It doesn’t take much, and you might see some new smiling faces at your tables.

Carl Hagelin

River Edge

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen County NJ vegan dining options: Where are they?